WHAT TO EXPECT IN A NON-TRADITIONAL WORLD

from Internet Http.www.ksu.edu-danglewnatto.ntmi 09/27/97

As an entry-level, nontraditional worker or apprentice, there are several things you should be prepared for when beginning your career:

You may get a lot of attention simply because you are in a nontraditional field; you will be representing your entire gender.

You may be given repetitive and odd jobs, sometimes called "gofer work".

You will be asked why you chose your particular career. You will need to be sincere about your reasons.

You may be left out during breaks and lunch periods because you may be the only person of your gender. Try to learn a little about some of the topics the others discuss so you can participate in the conversation and establish relationships with your co-workers.

You can count on being a victim of practical jokes. Be prepared to endure your fair share with as good a sense of humor as you can muster. (But remember this is true for all new hires... people are getting to know your metal. RL) Also, your co-workers will probably place bets on "how long you can last" in your new job. (Usually found only if you are the 1^st in that area. RL)

You will probably feel awkward for the first few months. Don’t count on a lot of support and encouragement from co-workers. Try and be patient and work to the very best of your ability. Congratulate yourself on small victories.

When co-workers ask about your personal life, it is usually best to be honest. What ever your situation is it is never a good idea to mix business with pleasure.

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"I sore when I reach journey level at my trade I would never put an apprentice through all the practical jokes played on me when I was an apprentice. But don’t you know the first time an apprentice was assigned to me I sent her off to find a left-handed wrench."

Cindy Kern, Heavy Equipment Operator

" One afternoon I got feeling so tired and my tool belt felt like it weighed 100pounds. It wasn’t until I got back to my truck at the end of the day and took off my tool belt that I saw it was full of little rocks and pebbles. It seems that all day the guys were putting them in there. One small pebble at a time, behind my back."

Linda Sover-El, Carpenter, from the booklet " Surviving and Thriving in a Nontraditional Skilled Trade published by Pennsylvania Dept of Education in 1993 under the leadership of Jane Acri Sex Equity State Administration.

RL = comments by Robin Lamar